Scar Remedies: Natural Scar Removal Treatments

Treatment of scar and scar tissue ranges from massage to topical applications and supplements. Smoothing the appearance of scar tissue involves soothing and hydrating the skin. Many natural treatments are especially effective for treating and preventing scars.

What is a Scar?

A scar is the result of regrowth of tissue after the skin has been damaged. The tissue that makes up a scar is technically the same as normal, healthy tissue; however, it appears different as the fibers in this tissue are arranged differently. Scar tissue develops as the result of healing from a variety of different wounds including a cut, burn, acne or fungal infection. Scars develop when the skin has been damaged beyond its first layer.

Natural Treatments for Scar Tissue

Scar tissue can be treated using a variety of natural remedies. Common applications including vitamin E, aloe vera and coconut oil soothe damaged and inflamed areas preventing and treating the development of wounded areas. These treatments also support the growth of new skin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant and nutrient application. Massaged into the affected area multiple times a day, the vitamin E oil revitalizes and nourishes the skin. This treatment can also be paired with a vitamin C supplement to boost efficacy.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compound. Applied directly to the site of a scar or healing wound, aloe vera delivers natural emollients to the skin to aid in regrowth of healthy skin. Aloe vera can also be applied directly to burns to prevent wounding.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a natural compound that is comprised of a medium chain of fatty acids. The oil’s composition effectively stimulates collagen production and increases the rate of healing. This compound also increases the development of new blood vessels and produces healthy skin free of scaring.

Scar tissue is the tissue that replaces normal skin when the skin has been damaged. While scar tissue is technically the same type of tissue as health skin, it looks different and can be a cause of concern and self-consciousness for many. Natural treatments support effective cell growth, minimizing scar tissue and creating beautiful, healthy skin.

Aloe Vera 10

Approval Ratings

YEA (1)

100%

Posted by K (Chicago, IL) on 07/02/2009

[YEA] I have been using fresh aloe juice/gel/flesh topically overnight on my chest and back to try to heal scarring due largely to acne. I had been dealing with acne and scarring for months now. Just two nights of applying aloe liberally and directly onto my skin, letting it dry a bit, and then putting on a pajama top overnight has produced surprisingly good results. I am so relieved and amazed. I recommend this very simple, inexpensive, and natural method to everyone.

Replied by StacyAtl, Ga07/15/2009

This is great information but when I went to my local grocer to pick an aloe leaf, one question came up: How do you preserve your fresh aloe vera. How long does it keep? Thx!

Replied by KathyStanwood, WA07/19/2009

My grocer doesn't sell aloe leaves. Go to your nursery or Lowe's, WalMart etc and buy the plant. It will grow fast so make sure the pot is big enough. Needs lots of light, Bring indoors when it gets cold. Just pick a leaf as needed.

Replied by JasonLong Beach, California01/08/2010

Im just curious about aloe vera lotion not aloe vera gel, will that help take away acne scars?

EC: Most potent form is fresh aloe.

Replied by AgapegirlOrlando, Fl09/06/2011

A cut piece of fresh aloe can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated to prolong the freshness. But better yet, cut tiny pieces from the plant as needed instead of cutting a larger piece and trying to preserve it.

Aloe Vera, Lemon Juice, Honey, Vitamin E, Toothpaste 20

[YEA] A while ago I experimented with a bunch of home remedies to clear up my acne scars and found that topically applying the following worked for me:

- aloe vera gel (works better on fresh wounds)- lemon juice- honey- vitamin e oil or capsule- toothpaste- cucumber juice (leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with cold water)- make a paste of salt, baking soda, lemon juice, and honey. Leave on face for 15 minutes and wash off with cold water.

Hope these help someone!

Replied by SarahDubai, UAE10/05/2008

[YEA] I used toothpaste, cucumber, lemon juice and the face mask Jessica advised to use. My results are amazing! My scars are fading and the toothpaste makes the pimples smaller and the puss decreases quite visibly. I just mix about two tablespoons of honey, the juice of one or two lemons, two teaspoons of salt, three tablespoons of fuller's earth. This adds a glow to my skin, the scars are fading away slowly. Also, I use a scrub daily before school/work; two tbspoons of honey, three tablespoons of unrefined brown sugar and fullers earth( as much as you want, not more than four tablespoons), 1 1/2 teaspoons of ACV. This is for general use...

Replied by ToniHutchinson Island, Fl03/09/2011

What type of toothpaste is best?

Replied by JoyPensacola, Fl09/18/2011

If you use toothpaste, use a white paste, NOT gel.

Replied by SwaraM.p., India03/08/2015

can we use toothpaste and lemon mix on daily overnight basis.......?????????

I had a similar experience with scar tissue disappearing. I was taking ACV for digestion and I noticed a scar from two years ago (which was pretty bad from an infection) started to flatten out--very surprising, I thought it would never go away. I wonder if it works on internal scarring from injuries/surgeries as well?

Castor Oil Pack 10

Approval Ratings

YEA (1)

100%

Posted by Grace (Wash.) on 03/16/2015

[YEA] I had to have 2 nose surgeries. Resulted in scar tissue and sinus infections. The ENT wanted to do surgery to remove the scar tissue. A year earlier I had my appendix removed and that area began to hurt it was scar tissue. The doctor said they could do ultrasound to dissolve it

I wanted a natural approach, I did castor oil pack on nose, with a heating pad and did the same on my abdomen, 2x a day for an hour. I took daily serrapeptase, 2 twice a day on an empty stomach . I read 3 books on proper juice fasting which included, couple colonics and coffee enemas. Apparently between the 8-15 day on a juice fast the body begins to dissolve scar tissue. If you're thin only 10 days of juice fasting is recommended. Of course talk to naturopathic doctor before starting.

Hi, I had breast augmentation surgery and I keep getting scar tissue so as a result of this I already had 3 surgeries to remove it but keeps coming back. Will a castor oil pack work to soften it?

Replied by MariaGippsland, Australia12/01/2011

Hi Valerie, I have no experience with castor oil but I have seen great results with serrapeptase on abdominal surgery scars (30 yr old).

Replied by MaryDayton, Oh03/06/2012

Diane, I was wondering how you took the serrapeptase, what brand and dosage? I read that to take that enzyme, there is another that goes along with it. Can you elaborate on how it helped your scar? Thanks!

Cauliflower Ear Remedies 00

My son has cauliflower ear from wrestling, I was wanting to know any all natural remedies or essential oils I can use to heal this naturally?

Replied by CaitlinAustin04/24/2014

This IS serious and could lead to problems if not treated by your doctor! An antibiotic treatment sounds ideal. I would also suggest that you wrap his ear in either a bandage soaked in witch hazel or ACV to decrease the swelling. I say witch hazel because of this story: After my mom had her last baby, a rather large one of many children, she was so torn and swollen that she could not move for the pain. They left her moaning in a room by herself. Her mom, my beloved grandmother, a healer and midwife from the 1920's visited her that morning of the birth. She saw the situation, and immediately went to the pharmacy for witch hazel and a large cotton pad. She placed the pad, soaked with dickinson witch hazel, upon my mother'ss nether region. My mother said she could actually feel the witch hazel "drawing" the pain away and by that very evening, she was walking around. From that day onward, my mother is never without that witch hazel in her bathroom. My hubby has wrapped a paper towel soaked in ACV around a large, swollen gouty foot and ankle. It reduced the swelling within an hour, but, took a couple of days at that particular stage of swelling to go down completely. I would also suggest ingesting it and putting diluted ACV and water inside the ear every few hours. When the swelling goes down, I would rub coconut oil (VCO) in and around his ear and if he is not allergic to it, give him a teaspoon morning and night to help fight the infection. I know that you want to treat this naturally, but, an antibiotic could only help as well. Good luck to you and your son! Caitlin

Coconut Oil, Melatonin Powder 00

Approval Ratings

BETTER BUT NOT CURED (1)

100%

Posted by Janet (Asheville, Nc) on 11/26/2012

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] I have been battling a small bleeding spot on my nose for 2 yrs. I tried vit c but because of work only let it scab once so that wasn't enough and I use h202 on it too. Finally I used effudex for 3 weeks which turned it into a pea sized (flat) tender scar which only ended up bleeding 2 mos later after I scrubbed it so it could have been bcc not just ak. I couldn't get an appt with the Dr. for 5wks so I started EVCO and powdered melatonin tabs paste. Fantastic! First of all there was no nasty scabbing, just night 5 I think I made a crusty paste and woke up with some blood on my face but the skin looked o. K. There was tremendous healing in 10 days and I would say 2 weeks I could no longer discern the spot or root of the bleeding. I still have a spot of pinker skin from the effudex damage but its not tender anymore. I don't have insurance so that is why I was trying natural cures. It is day 18 and I feel very good about it so far, but I will follow up my post since so many things failed. I had made an appt for a biopsy coming up in 2 wks so I might be cancelling that since I'm tired of having a wound on my face.

Replied by Sunscreen User...Boca Raton, Florida11/29/2012

Please don't cancel your biopsy!! I had a similar problem... A small cut that would never go away, just kept scabbing up, then getting better, then it started all over again for years. I had to have surgury to remove the basal cell that ended up being an invasive nodule because I ignored it for so long. It didn't look any different on the outside but it was growing down into my skin. Please see a derm right away :-) good luck!

Replied by JanAsheville, Nc02/28/2013

Well, I wasn't really sure if anything was going on with my "spot" see earlier post so I put iodine on it and in the morning I saw a center like thing. So long story short, I burned it acouple of times with iodine and a couple of times the center oozed something and then it just quit reacting but I had it biopsied anyway which seemed like a breeze after all the self treating and of course the effudex! Well the biopsy came back OK (keratosis) and the recommendation was to f/u in 3 mos. While I was waiting for the biopsy results I hit with 7% iodine, now I'm thinking I may have been overdoing it and just need to let it heal. Well at least it's not bcc. I'm just confused that the efudex didn't work. This has been my first problem like this so this is what I've learned: I think anything that looks weird or bleeds, if you hit it right away with vit c, coconut oil and/or iodine, maybe vinegar you might have a chance of it going away pretty easily but if it continues for more than 4-6mos just get a biopsy. The face heals pretty fast, especially with coconut oil. Since I started using coconut oil daily on my face and I also got a bottle of Vit C serum I think I've prevented anything new popping up.

DMSO 00

Posted by Gregor (Petaluma, Ca) on 02/22/2014

4 years ago I had a case of shingles on the left side of my face which left several scars within my left eye. My vision in that eye is distorted as one scar is in the center of my eye lens. An eye specialist said there is no present treatment, not even laser, that can remove the scar.

Does anyone know of a treatment using DMSO to soften or dissolve scars inside the eye?

Also, is there anything that will kill the shingles virus as I still get outbreaks on my face? I have tried olive leaf extract, but that has not worked. Thanks. Gregor

Replied by Mr. ReeUsa02/23/2014

Try licorice extract. If you put it on the first day it will go away...Apply it three or 4 times a day...If you wait to get a doctors opinion it will take three day...75% gone the first day...25% the next and completely gone the third day...A bottle cost about $8.95 and NO drugs..

Replied by Karol ElliottUk11/15/2014

Mr Ree, just to be clear are you suggesting that you can put liquorice extract directly on the eye?

Replied by SmudgeVietnam11/23/2014

I read recently that organic castor oil drops in the eyes will dissolve cataracts which I am trialling at the moment. Could be worth a try to dissolve scar tissue. Best to do last thing at night as it is quite thick and a little sticky.

Replied by James222New Hampshire, US11/23/2014

For better results try taking ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid) orally twice a day, start with the smallest dose and work up, it may take at least a month to see any improvement

DMSO, SSKI 10

Approval Ratings

YEA (1)

100%

Posted by Psyborg (Indianapolis, Indiana) on 08/21/2011

[YEA] I mix equal parts DMSO and SSKI (Super Saturated K (potasium) Iodide, which is basically Iodine. Google SSKI and see. I apply it several times a day to a scar I have between my knuckles and the scar has gone down from what looked like a dome to almost flat.

Replied by Veritas Philadelphia, Pa, Usa01/04/2013

A few follow up questions for those who've used a combine of 50% DMSO and 50% SSKI.

1) What was the approximate volume applied and is one to rub it in until fully absorbed?2) What is the duration of treatment I. E. How long did it take to cure the scar?3) What adverse effects, if any, did you experience e.g. burning sensations during treatment?

Extreme Moisture 20

Approval Ratings

YEA (2)

67%

WARNING! (1)

33%

Posted by Cary (phoenix, Arizona) on 11/01/2007

[YEA] I have never used bloodroot, however I have read that it can cause scars. Scars such as burn scars are treated by continually keeping the skin moist. Extreme moisture should allow all of the capillaries to grow back to gather fully, thus preventing scar tissue. The point I am making is that if it works for preventing scars for burn victims than it should prevent most other scaring. Keep in mind that what ever you use, it must contain antibacterial properties. Failure to do so my allow the area to become infected with bacteria and other nasty fungus, etc Neosporin and burn creams such as 1% silver sulfadiazine cream are two product that work well. It would also be beneficial if you can cover the area with a thin plastic wrap. Here in the USA we call it saran wrap. Its the same thing they put over a new tattoo. Then a bandage, gauze or ace bandage will hold it in place. DO NOT let a scab form or else it will prevent the capillaries from forming new healthy skin. The scab is what causes the scaring in the first place. I have found that it is ok to let the bandaged area dry out a few hours a day. If the skin starts to harden, that's ok. It should soften up once again after you reapply the ointment and bandage.

Ps. If you have pre existing scar tissue you can use the same method, however it take much linger once the scar has already had time to form. God bless.

Replied by Ellis GarvinHaiku, Hi09/02/2009

[WARNING!] I appreciate your suggestions, Cary, but the one about covering skin with plastic wrap went against what I'd heard about skin needing to breath, so I did some quick internet research about it. From what I've read, some tattoo parlors mistakenly tell people to use plastic wrap to cover their new tattoos (so people can see the tattoo without the person needing to remove a bandage to show them.) However, many states make it illegal to use plastic over tattoos due to the higher risk of infection. Also, the The National Tattoo Association and the Alliance of Professional Tattooists prohibit tattoo artists from putting plastic wrap over tattoos because the skin needs to breathe, and plastic wrap traps moisture and heat against the skin and fosters the growth of bacteria which leads to infection.

I hope everyone using this wonderful website is smart and uses critical thinking before trying alternative remedies suggested by a single source. This website has literally saved me hundreds of dollars in doctor bills and much emotional and physical pain, but I still am very careful to cross-check and do further research on any remedy that I find here.

Replied by HermiticwondererLos Angeles, Ca02/21/2014

[YEA] To Ellis -

Thank you for the info! & your right, it is not good to keep a fresh tattoo covered in plastic wrap daily. However, it IS a good idea to have the tattoo artist cover it with the wrap immediately after application UNTIL YOU GET HOME and can properly clean, moisturize & dress it. This keeps out immediate infection and sun exposure.

We have found that using a bee wax based petroleum alternative like waxalene really helps our tattoos heal quickly and the brightest they can be. There is rosemary oil in it which helps cut infection.

Also - AMAZING for scars is Rosehip Seed Oil. I have found a regiment of coconut oil + raw honey on this burn scar I have on my eyelid then followed with rosehip seed oil has really been helping.

Caution using the Rosehip seed oil on tattoos though, my boyfriend just had a bad reaction to a yellow dye and was not sure if he caused it himself by putting the rosehip seed oil on the tat (probably not but you never know).

General Feedback 20

Approval Ratings

YEA (2)

100%

Posted by Kathy (Chicago, IL. USA) on 03/05/2009

[YEA] 03/05/2009: Kathy from Chicago, IL. USA writes: "have a question and didnt know how to ask. my house was infested with fleas. i got many bites on my legs. everywhere i was bitten is now a brown mark. flat not like scar tissue. is there any way to get rid of the marks or does anyone know why they would turn brown. my legs look horrible. just discovered your site. its awesome. started the oil pulling. all i had was olive oil and i have noticed no difference. will try with sesame oil when i go to store. for those having reactions to coconut oil you may be allergic so try a different oil. thanks for any help"

EC: Hi, Kathy. Your question has also been posted on fleas remedies page in the pets section...

Replied by SaritaNew York, NY06/17/2010

hello, whenever i travel to mexico to the pyramid sites, i always get stung by mosquitos, especially on my legs and develop spots. the pharmacies there sell a black ointment in a jar and the main ingredient is iodine. the same ointment is sold over the counter in new york at my pharmacy. i noticed that if i applied the ointment to the sting area asap, the area would not discolor and it would stop the itch and the infection would heal rapidly. i always carry a tiny jar of this ointment 24/7. it works for any type of sting or bite.

Replied by Alexis BakerNorth Charleston, South Carolins, US06/03/2012

I know this thread is two years old but I was wondering if you could tell me the name of that black ointment. I live in SC and gnats and mosquitoes are always a big problem and they just seem to get bigger. I would really appreciate the name of that ointment.

You can put it into an organic carrier oil (vegetable oil base) such as sesame, almond oil, olive oil, etc. (use one with the least back note smell) and rub it directly into your skin. Roughly 12 drops of your essential oil blend to 1 carrier oil.

You can also put it into a spray bottle and make a body spray using 10 drops of your essential oil blend per 5 ounces of water or a room spray using 20 drops of your essential oil blend per 5 ounces of water.

You can always add more or less drops of your essential oil blend to make a different concentration.

Wore this blend on a camping trip where we were literally in a swarm of mosquitoes the whole time and didn't get ONE bite! My boyfriend is usually eaten alive with 1 mosquito in the room!

Looking for throat scar remedy: Hi. Five years ago I had emergency thyroid surgery to remove half the thyroid, which was eaten up by lymphoma. I went immediately into chemo and then a month of radiation. I ended up with a scar on my throat (I think it's a scar) that prevents food from going down. It doesn't hurt anymore but something as simple as bread can stick in my throat, choking me. My husband has done the heimlich many times on me but even more frightening is when I am alone and something sticks. I also get a bad cough from many things - sugary or spicy foods, wine, etc. I saw the cures for a sore throat but I don't think this is an infection, I think it's scar tissue. I asked at the Mayo where I was treated but the doc just looked at me. Is there any way to make this scar tissue (if that's what it is) go away? I tried ACV/honey for a short time but worried that the vinegar was irritating it, is that possible? Thanks so much. I send your site to people all the time. So great to have this access to natural cures.

Replied by Diane Lisbon, IA05/20/2009

To: Karen from Freeport Re: Scarring from surgery. You may wish to try Serrapeptase. It is an enzyme that dissolves fibrinic tissue. Do not expect a miracle over night, but it is worth taking long term and seeing if it helps. Good Luck! Hope it helps.

Replied by DianeLisbon, IA07/08/2009

Look at the castor oil pack page on this site. The section about abdominal scar tissue and internal adhesions is very interesting and could be directly applicable to your situation. Warm castor oil packs would cetainly be worth trying on the scar on your neck. He mentions one hour per day for two months, although I would try to do longer than the one hour.

Honey, Tea Tree Oil 00

Posted by Vanessa (Los Angeles, Ca) on 11/08/2013

Hi I'm recently in the processes of removing a mole on my bottom with ACV! I can't believe this but it does work!! It shrunk my mole and now I just have a scar I keep picking at it even though I know that's bad but I'm so impaticent it's going to be 2 weeks since I've started this remedy! So I was doing some research to cure wounds & prevent scars and I came across honey & tea tree oil! So I went to my local natural supplements shop and purchased the tea tree oil and wildflower honey does this work or should I try something else??( My mole was about 2inches big so I do not want a huge scar:( )

Keloid Scar Remedies 00

Posted by Katy (Salisbury, Md) on 07/09/2014

I have a medium sized keloid on my chest, as well as several on my shoulders that range in size. Has anyone had any luck using at home remedies such as Apple Cider Vinegar, Tea Tree Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Honey or Lemon Juice?

DISCLAIMER: Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.